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The Designated Players | An MLS Podcast

Andrew Barnikel, Connor Wright
MLS
Major League Soccer
Inter Miami
FC Cincinnati
Atlanta United
Leagues Cup
Philadelphia Union
Columbus Crew
Seattle Sounders
Vancouver Whitecaps
LAFC
MLS Cup Playoffs
Lionel Messi
MLS Cup
US Open Cup
New England Revolution
New York Red Bulls
Chicago Fire
Charlotte FC
LA Galaxy

We are The Designated Players | An MLS Podcast! Your home for all things MLS, Past Present and Future! Hosted by Andrew Barnikel and Connor Wright

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes489Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
SoccerNewsSportsSports News

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Latest Episodes

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're covering even more transfers from the summer transfer window, and it has been super busy. We're talking incoming transfers such as Georginio Wijnaldum to RSL, De... more

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In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're covering more transfers from the summer transfer window, and boy have there been some big moves. We're talking the ongoing transfer saga involving Breel Embolo t... more

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're catching up on some recent MLS and World soccer news. We start off by covering the proposed new Nations League that would see CONCACAF and UEFA combine as a rebe... more

In this episode, we give our thoughts on the best ways to improve Leagues Cup for the future, plus give our previews and predictions for the upcoming Quarter Finals!

0:00 - Scarf of the Week

1:12 - Leagues Cup Improvements

17:25 - Quarter Finals Pre... more

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Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Paul Sokoloff
Red Bull 2 player, US Youth National Team player
New York Red Bulls II
Episode: Episode 457: Pathway To Pro ft Paul Sokoloff From RBNY2!
Timber Joey Webber
Current Timber Joey, long-time mascot and notable figure associated with the log tradition
Portland Timbers
Episode: Episode 452: The Portland Timbers' Log Cutting Tradition! MLS History Retold!
Mike Ace Palane
Mike from Orlando Lions Den, Orlando City coverage
Orlando Lions Den
Episode: Episode 447: Griezmann to MLS, Apple TV Week 1 Numbers and Coaches on the Hot Seat ft Orlando Lions Den!
Bob V
Soccer analyst and podcaster
The Designated Pundits
Episode: Episode 446: The State Of MLS Media with Bob From The Designated Pundits!
Favian Renkel
Friend of the pod and official host at KickBase USA
KickBase USA
Episode: Episode 445: What We Missed This MLS Offseason ft Favian Renkel!
Brian Mauer
Content creator and podcaster at Top In 90
Top In 90
Episode: Episode 440: A Not So Deep Dive Into Charlotte FC's 2026 Season ft TopBin90!
Kerry Redman
Member of the New York Red Bulls Discussion Group Podcast and an insightful fan.
New York Red Bulls Discussion Group Podcast
Episode: Episode 436: A Not So Deep Dive Into Red Bull New York's 2026 Season ft NYRBDG Podcast!
Mitchell Carroll
Co-host of Commerce City Radio, soccer analyst
Commerce City Radio
Episode: Episode 433: A Not So Deep Dive Into Colorado Rapids' 2026 Season ft Commerce City Radio!
Jerald Lucas
Sports journalist and co-host of The Wisemen Say Podcast
Babel USA
Episode: Episode 424: A Not So Deep Dive Into Columbus Crew's 2026 Season ft The Wisemen Say Podcast!

Hosts

Andrew Barnikel
Host of The Designated Players An MLS Podcast
Connor Wright
Co-host of The Designated Players An MLS Podcast

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 41 ratings
  • Good pod

    Guys do a good job and are talented at podcasting. However knowledge could be stronger. For example how can you repeatedly call the league MVP “Luchy.” It’s Lucho. And similar mistakes that makes me wonder how much soccer you watch. It’s like having an nba podcast and calling him “dabron james.”

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    CompetitivePokemonAllTheWay
    United States2 years ago
  • English

    Please learn how to speak English

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    g3423
    United States2 years ago
  • Great Podcast to get your weekly MLS updates, awesome interview guests from all over the country, and a real fun time overall!

    Podchaser
    5
    Andrew Barnikel
    6 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners enjoy the mix of tactical analysis with accessible, casual discussion.
Fans appreciate the sharp MLS insights and banter, but some critique accuracy on specific player names or stats.
The show's personality and MLS focus help it stand out among soccer podcasts, though some episodes lean heavily into heated debates.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 457: Pathway To Pro ft Paul Sokoloff From RBNY2!
Q: How would you describe your role and development as an attacking midfielder, and what qualities do you think set you apart?
I focus on mentality and bravery in big moments, while refining the midfield actions to contribute to the attack from between the lines and create chances.
Episode 457: Pathway To Pro ft Paul Sokoloff From RBNY2!
Q: Talk to us about that moment, stepping on the field for the very first time.
It was surreal and unexpected, but it crystallized the idea that relentless preparation can create breakthroughs when you least expect them.
Episode 448: MLS Coaches Continue To Fail In Europe ft Celtic: The Unrestricted View Podcast!
Q: Do you think that the reputation of MLS managers is now going to be limited because of these two coaches who have not been successful?
Yes, it could hurt perceptions in some boards, leading teams to search more broadly and conduct more interviews, but it's not fair to judge all MLS managers by two mid-season failures; there will still be opportunities for others who can adapt and show results.”
Episode 446: The State Of MLS Media with Bob From The Designated Pundits!
Q: What do you think about MLS's current media strategy?
Bob believes that concerns regarding the media shift are somewhat exaggerated, but acknowledges that the loss of long-time contributors is troubling.
Episode 436: A Not So Deep Dive Into Red Bull New York's 2026 Season ft NYRBDG Podcast!
Q: Does the system work right out of the gate?
It's going to be a slow start; they need to work on cohesion.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
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Age Range
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Designated Players

What is The Designated Players about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This MLS-focused show blends hot takes, tactical analysis, and fan banter across a wide range of topics from on-field innovations to league governance and big-picture soccer debates. Episodes frequently cover World Cup previews and results, MLS team performance, player spotlights, and roster-building discussions, often through a two-host dynamic that leans into bold predictions and lively互 banter. The tone balances data-driven observations with personality-driven storytelling, making it appealing to listeners who enjoy deep soccer discussion punctuated by candid opinions, club allegiances, and MLS-contextual insight. A notable strength is the hosts' ability to connect current league narratives with broader international soccer happenings, c... more

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How many episodes of The Designated Players are there?

The Designated Players launched 7 years ago and published 489 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Designated Players?

Recent guests on The Designated Players include:

1. Paul Sokoloff
2. Timber Joey Webber
3. Mike Ace Palane
4. Bob V
5. Favian Renkel
6. Brian Mauer
7. Kerry Redman
8. Mitchell Carroll

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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